SENATE HEARING | FEBRUARY 5, 2026

The hearing begins with an invocation and an introduction of Senator Padilla. He thanks Senate President Vicente Soto for supporting the hearing and acknowledges the efforts of all Senate employees present. He emphasizes that the Senate's role is to create laws and recommend actions, not to judge, and encourages participants to be open and speak freely as their testimonies will be recorded and can be used as evidence. The Senate Committee Secretary then lists the attendees, including representatives from the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF), Commission on Human Rights (CHR), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and other organizations and individuals.

Mr. Raul Socrates Vanzuela, National Coordinator of Pakisama (National Federation of Peasant Organizations), presents a statement highlighting the historical injustices faced by indigenous communities in Palawan, particularly in Bugsok and Pandanan islands, due to land grabbing and displacement dating back to 1974. He praises Senator Padilla for Senate Resolution No. 200, which addresses eviction and demolition cases in Sityo Marihangin, and recognizes the broad coalition supporting the residents. Vanzuela emphasizes the threat posed by San Miguel Corporation's tourism project, which overlaps with ancestral domains and violates indigenous people's rights. He calls for a comprehensive investigation into land titles, a moratorium on evictions, and expedited processing of ancestral domain applications, alongside holistic support for affected residents.

Attorney Veronica Cina Milado, lead counsel for the indigenous communities in Marihangin, provides a legal explanation of the Aksyon Reinvindicatoria case, which seeks to determine true land ownership. She details the historical occupation of Marihangin Island by the Mulbog Indigenous Community, their CAD application in 2005, and their proof of possession since time immemorial, including genealogies, affidavits from elders, and sacred sites. Attorney Milado expresses concerns about the nine Transfer Certificate Titles issued in 2022, which originated from free patent applications based on questionable 'affidavits of waiver.' She recounts incidents of alleged harassment by JMV Security Services personnel, including armed guards, and the legal challenges faced by the community, such as the dismissal of their injunction petition due to lack of jurisdiction and questioning of their native title rights.

Professor Said Ali of NCMF emphasizes the agency's mandate to preserve Muslim Filipino culture and well-being, highlighting the presence of ancestral burial grounds and a mosque in Marihangin. He pledges NCMF's support to resolve the long-standing issue collaboratively. Mr. Ferdinand Lim, representing the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), offers the agency's assistance to the Marihangin fishing communities. Ms. Marivic Intin from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) explains the legal framework for land titles, asserting that existing free patents and Original Certificates of Title (OCTs) are valid until legally cancelled. She outlines the process for investigating fraud allegations, which requires substantial proof. Attorney Vanessa Bautista of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) states their role in monitoring human rights, connecting with agencies, and referring issues beyond their authority, particularly in cases of harassment and threats.

Attorney Hariet Abyadang from the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) explains that native title rights are recognized by the Indigenous Peoples' Rights Act (IPRA) and do not require formal Certificates of Ancestral Domain (CADT) for recognition. She addresses the issuance of Certificates of Non-Overlap (CNO) by NCIP Mimaropa, acknowledging a pending petition for cancellation and the condition that CNOs cannot be used to violate human rights. Attorney Abyadang highlights that the NCIP received an increased budget, partly due to Senator Padilla's efforts, which will be allocated for ancestral domain applications like Marihangin's. She reaffirms NCIP's commitment to promoting indigenous rights through inter-agency collaboration.

Randy Nasiron, the elected Marihangin Indigenous Political Minority Representative (IPMR), speaks about the barangay captain's alleged involvement in land titling and obstruction of community services. He exposes the mayor's indifference to the community's plight. Angelica Nasiron, a young Mulbog resident, tearfully recounts the offer of money from San Miguel Corporation to leave their ancestral lands, followed by harassment, armed men, and fabricated legal cases against residents, including herself, which jeopardized her education. Gilmany Nasiron, another Mulbog resident, passionately describes Marihangin as their ancestral land, sacred with burial grounds and cultural sites. He expresses deep pain over the lack of progress on their CAD application and the disrespect shown to their heritage. Marilyn Isa Pilayo speaks about her deep pain over her deceased son being included in a lawsuit, emphasizing the emotional trauma and fear experienced by the community, including an instance where women had to disrobe to prevent armed men from advancing. Aljan Isa recounts her frustrating attempt to seek legal aid from the Public Attorney's Office (PAO) regarding the alleged harassment by blue guards, only to be denied because a case had already been filed against them.

An elderly woman known as 'Nanay' recounts her family's long history on the island and her resolve to stay despite legal challenges, even expressing a desire to be buried there. She mentions that she and her husband have been sued, causing immense distress. Another elder, Aita, laments having to face legal battles at her age, alongside her children and grandchildren, and questions the motives behind the attempts to remove them from their ancestral lands. Another resident, who does not give a name, speaks of her family's long lineage in Marihangin, predating Spanish and Japanese occupation, highlighting that their burial grounds are their 'title' to the land. She asserts their unwavering commitment to stay. A male resident, an MLF member's son, mentions the ongoing harassment from guards affecting their livelihoods and his child's education, expressing a willingness to die for their land. Norlina Himena, another descendant of Hatib Isa, speaks about the previous self-sufficiency of their community and the profound impact of the land dispute, including her child dropping out of school to help defend their ancestral territory. She requests government agencies to stop the harassment and provide constructive assistance.

A male resident highlights the abundant natural resources of Marihangin, including rich fishing grounds and fertile lands for crops and seaweed, making it a self-sufficient community. He explains that the island's natural wealth and ancestral burials are reasons they refuse to leave and that their lives are intrinsically linked to the land and sea. Another female resident, an IPMR from Barangay Sibaring, shares her personal and ancestral history of displacement, starting from Martial Law in 1974. She recounts her family's forced relocation to harsh conditions and her own struggles with lack of education and poverty. She criticizes the encroachment of corporations and the destruction of mangroves, which has led to increased human-animal conflict, citing the death of her cousin due to a crocodile attack after their access to traditional paths was blocked. She appeals for a thorough investigation into these issues.

Senator Padilla thanks the attendees for their emotional and honest testimonies, acknowledging the invaluable insights for crafting effective legislation. He emphasizes that this is the first of several hearings and assures the community that the government is there to help, not as an adversary. He addresses the issues of contested land titles, harassment, and the conduct of local officials, vowing to involve relevant committees in further investigations. He expresses hope that these hearings will foster peace and unity, preventing armed conflict. A final resident speaks, requesting the removal of the barangay hall from a private island, addressing agreements on protected areas that restrict fishing, and asking NCIP to facilitate dialogue with a key figure regarding CADT issues. Senator Padilla promises to summon all mentioned individuals and entities for future hearings. The segment concludes with a song summarizing the community's struggle for justice.

Senator Padilla opens a new hearing for the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food, and Agrarian Reform. The committee secretary lists the resource persons, including representatives from the Department of Agriculture (DA), Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), Bureau of Agricultural Research, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Budget and Management (DBM), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), Philippines Statistics Authority (PSA), Landbank of the Philippines, Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP), League of Provinces of the Philippines, Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and Commission on Audit (COA), as well as private organizations and agriculturist groups.

Senator Padilla shares his personal experience from 2012 and 2024 with a farm field school in Alfonso, Cavite, where his farm hosted organic vegetable training for local farmers. Despite efforts to organize over 40 farmers into a cooperative after 14 weeks of training, the initiative failed both times due to a lack of sustained government support. He highlights the critical gap in strengthening farmer associations and emphasizes that without 'boots on the ground' from the DA, farmers will remain unproductive and struggle. He argues that structural reforms, including the establishment of a Bureau of Agriculture Cooperatives and the reenationalization of agricultural extension services, are crucial to empower farmers and fisherfolk. He reiterates the importance of these twin measures, which the DA and the President also support, to ensure effective implementation and absorption of agricultural interventions.